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Whale Island Guided Walks - 2010

Whakatane Coastguard, in conjunction with Department of Conservation and Te Rununga O Ngati Awa run trips to the Island between December and March - weather permitting.

Whale Island ( Moutohora) is approximately six miles or 9.6kms from Whakatane. The area is 354 acres, There are 190 native and 110 introduced plant species. The island is now completely free of the goats, rats, cats and rabbits which previously devastated native plants and animals.

The most significant feature of Moutohora's current fauna is the breeding colony of grey-faced petrels. Sooty shearwaters, little blue penguins, the threatened New Zealand dotterel and variable oystercatcher also breed on the island. Threatened species which are occasional visitors are the Caspian tern, the North Island kaka and New Zealand falcon. Other species present include common forest birds, captive-bred red crowned parakeets, three lizard species and fur seals.

In March 1999 local Ngati Awa and the Department of Conservation joined forces to see the fulfilment of a dream. Forty North Island saddleback (tieke) were transferred from Repanga (Cuvier Island), off the coast of Coromandel, to Moutohora.

Trips start on Sunday the 10th January 2010 and every Sunday following, with the last trip on the 28th March 2010 weather permitting..

There will be 4 trips a day
8.15am to 12.30pm.
9.15am to 1.30pm
12.15pm to 4.30pm
1.15pm to 5.30pm

The cost per person is $75.00

Bookings can be made at "White Island Tours" 15 Strand East Whakatane.
Phone 07 308 9588 .. Call Free 0800 733 529.

Group bookings can be arranged for alternate days, please contact White Island Tours to discuss the options available..

All tickets must be paid for prior to departure. In the event of cancellation due to unsatisfactory sea conditions an alternative trip can be taken or a refund will be made

You will be transported to the Island by "White Island Tours" with their purpose build ridged hull inflatable vessel "Sea Three". Disembarking at Bolder Bay will involve getting your feet wet. Once on shore you will walk up to the saddle, then to the edge of the Pa Site from there return to Bolder Bay and on to Sulphur Bay. If time permits, a walk towards McEwans Bay may be available. Swimming at Sulphur Bay is highly recommended

Bring along a Camera , Warm jacket, Drink/snacks, Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. If you are on special medication, please advise your Coastguard guide. All guides are 1st Aid trained and carry 1st Aid kits.

There is no water or food available on the Island, make sure you take enough for your own needs.

Children under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult. The trip is not recommended for children under 5 year of age. Visitors are expected to be responsible for their own safety and wellbeing and for that of children under their care.

Whale Island Guided walks are a major fundraiser for Coastguard Whakatane. Thank you for your support..

We hope you have an enjoyable day!